Where You Live

With Portland in the north and Salem in the south, North Willamette Valley is known for its lush landscape, scenic mountain views, and a strong sense of community connection. The region is home to the majority of the population of the state of Oregon and some of its largest cities. However, there are also plenty of new custom home opportunities for those who want to be surrounded by open spaces, vineyards, and the many other agriculture ventures that benefit from the life-giving Willamette River and countless waterways.

The climate has been compared to that of the Mediterranean, with warm, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Mild winters in which the daytime temperature rarely drops below freezing make this region attractive to families and retirees who enjoy predictable weather year-round.

Idaho is a large state, but not all of the land is densely populated. Most of the people in the state live in the southwest corner, also known as Treasure Valley, with Boise being the largest metropolitan area. The mighty Snake River that flows through the region attracted early settlers and continues to be a natural resource for wildlife, industry, and recreation. The various counties in the region each have something to offer families who are considering building a new home in Idaho, whether it’s sweeping vistas, award-winning schools, or outdoor adventures.  

For home buyers searching in Central Oregon, finding the ideal home can be challenging. The market is on the upswing, and the inventory of prebuilt homes is often limited. No wonder so many Oregonians are opting instead to build a custom home—one that will ensure they wind up with exactly what they want and need.

Throughout the natural splendor of Central Oregon, cities and towns of all sizes offer incredible places to call home. The vast majority of residents here love spending time outside—and they want their homes to reflect their many interests and hobbies. Here, we take a closer look at some of our most popular floor plans for Central Oregon and tell you why the locals love them.

Throughout the picturesque state of Arizona—from the majestic Grand Canyon to the hauntingly beautiful Saguaro National Park—one-of-a-kind hiking trails beckon to nature lovers of all ages. There’s no denying that the Grand Canyon State has an abundance of scenic beauty to offer. All you have to do is find the trails that will take you to the best views possible.

Here we count down seven of our favorite Arizona hiking trails that offer the very best views and are only a short drive from Phoenix or Tucson:

Central Oregon is an ideal place to raise an active family or retire with a peaceful mountain view. For people who love to get outdoors, the region offers hiking, skiing, fishing, and many other activities—all practically at your back door. With an average of 300 sun-filled days a year, Central Oregon is a perfect escape from the notoriously rainy climates of other parts of the Pacific Northwest. Families are attracted to towns with world-class hospitals and excellent school systems, and rural residents enjoy ample space to keep horses, chickens, sheep, and other livestock. These are just a few of the reasons land sells so quickly in this area.

The South Puget Sound area is rich in breathtaking natural beauty and teeming with activity in the small communities that offer year-round festivals, parades, and events for the whole family. With easy access to beaches, lakes, mountains, and prairies, outdoor enthusiasts take advantage of the clean air and lush greenery. Sports fans enjoy attending professional and semiprofessional sporting events, or playing casually in the vast parks.

With its rolling hills, lush mountains, and 300 days of green, East Puget Sound is a picturesque setting for building a new custom home. Whether you decide to move to the area because of its excellent schools, the abundance of jobs in the tech sector, proximity to Seattle, or access to sparkling rivers, you can enjoy it all from the comfort of your dream home.

Whether you’re new to Washington state or you’ve lived here your entire life, you’re probably well aware that Puget Sound is a place like no other. Stretching a full 100 miles from Deception Pass south to Olympia, the sound is a beautiful, lively body of water that offers residents nearly limitless experiences, from hiking and boating to birding, whale watching, and whitewater rafting.

With countless state parks, beachfronts, islands, and intriguing coves, it should be no surprise that Puget Sound is also home to some incredible camping spots. So pack up the kids this summer or fall, and start exploring these perfect camping spots for families.

Summer in Idaho is ideal for getting your fill of the outdoors. And there’s nothing quite like heading out at dawn or dusk for a bit of fishing, where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of one of our beautiful lakes or streams and fall into the soothing rhythm of casting, reeling, and, hopefully, catching a fish or two.

Luckily, if you live in the Boise area, there are countless fishing holes inside the city limits and within a short drive. On the weekends, you can head a bit farther afield to really surround yourself with nature. It’s the best of both worlds.

Let’s take a look at some of the best spots to cast a line in and around Boise.

If you’re an outdoor enthusiast who is looking to relocate soon, Washington state may be your heaven on earth. It’s known as the Evergreen State for a reason: Washington has more state parks than any other state, diverse recreational options, towering, old-growth forests, and beautiful beaches and lakes. Plus, we have a unique climate and geography that runs the spectrum from a west coast marine climate to snow-capped mountains to high desert.